Why PHA?
A sustainable plastics industry requires alternative feedstocks. Unlike conventional plastics, PHA is not made from crude oil, but can be produced from organic residual streams, for example from the agri-food sector. This can help reduce dependence on fossil-based and imported raw materials in the long term. At the same time, organic residual streams are put to new use, creating opportunities to strengthen the circular economy.
The German-Dutch border region is well positioned to support this development. It has a strong plastics industry, available residual streams and extensive expertise in bio-based materials.
However, a promising material alone does not make a functioning value chain. What is needed to produce PHA on a larger scale? Which properties are important for processing and end-use applications? And how can companies be supported in adopting PHA in practice?
From residual streams to plastic products
The imPHAct! partners are therefore looking at the entire value chain, from production to application.
Their work focuses on two interconnected steps:
- Scaling up the technology: The production process is being further tested and refined, with the aim of advancing from TRL 6 to TRL 7.
- Developing the value chain and market: The partners are identifying the material properties, applications and conditions required to use PHA in practice.
The partners are investigating the stability and reproducibility of the production process and the properties PHA needs for further processing. They are also identifying technical and economic barriers. Which applications offer the greatest potential? What do plastics processors need? And what is required to enable the wider adoption of PHA?
The results will be translated into a toolbox for the plastics industry, trade associations and regional networks. This will help companies assess the opportunities and barriers associated with PHA and take more targeted steps towards market introduction.
The ultimate goal is for regional stakeholders to be able to develop a full-scale PHA value chain within three to five years after the project ends.
MNEXT’s role
MNEXT (Avans University of Applied Sciences) brings together applied research, value chain collaboration and education within imPHAct! We look not only at the technical potential of PHA, but also at what companies need to put the material into practice.
Our expertise contributes to several areas of the project:
- PHA: Properties, production and applications of PHA.
- Biopolymers: Development, processing and application of biopolymers.
- Residual streams: Valorisation of agri-food and other residual streams.
- Scaling up: Bridging the gap between technological development, practical implementation and a functioning value chain.
What will imPHAct! deliver?
The project will identify the technical, economic and organisational requirements for producing and applying PHA on a larger scale in the German-Dutch border region.
Key outcomes include:
- Insights into the technical requirements for stable and reproducible PHA production.
- Knowledge of PHA processing and applications across the plastics value chain.
- Practical guidance for companies and trade associations to accelerate the market introduction of PHA.
- A toolbox for assessing opportunities and barriers.
- Building blocks for a regional PHA value chain with potential for growth across Europe.
ImPHAct! is implemented as part of the Interreg VI Deutschland-Nederland programme and receives €2.17 million in co-financing from the European Union, MWIKE NRW, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK) and the State of Niedersachsen.
Projectpartners: Avans, Paques Biomaterials, Looop, Hochschule Niederrhein, FH Münster, Ecoras, TKT Kunststoff-Technik en Hanzehogeschool
Click here to read the project description in German.
October 2026 until August 2026
